The core of ICN’s service is “business matching”, ICN NT Project Co-ordinator Elena Tsangari recently told delegates at the Building the Territory conference.

‘Someone with a genuine business opportunity will approach us. They could have a need as broad as requiring a list of electricians that service the Tennant Creek region, or something quite defined,’ Elena said.

‘They might need someone who can design and manufacture high voltage switchgear, who can prove previous past history and meet stringent quality requirements.

‘We’ll search our database, we may list the opportunity via ICN Gateway, and we’ll assess businesses capability based on what that client has specified.

‘We’ll develop a list of businesses that match the client’s needs and hand that response to them.’There are about 4,000 Northern Territory businesses listed on ICN Gateway, and local consultants regularly monitor and update company details.

She said ICN did not discriminate which industries can be listed and encourage everyone, including the corner coffee shop, to create a profile.

‘We want the corner store to be made aware of what’s happening in their region because we want them to be prepared for the indirect opportunities that inevitably become available from projects in their region.’ said Elena.

The presentation also provided information about planned NT projects, such as the Ichthys LNG Plant, RAAF Base Tindal Redevelopment, Northern Gas Pipeline and Darwin Port Development; and about planned projects such as the Project Sea Dragon prawn farm and the Chandler Salt Mine.

The annual Building the Territory conference focuses on the economic outlook for the Northern Territory, government and private investment, opportunities for growth and updates on major committed, planned and proposed construction projects. It is a regular feature of NT’s Resources week and attracts delegates and speakers across the construction and building industry.